Bellevue, IA vs Elgin, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elgin is 26.3% cheaper than Bellevue. With a cost index of 58 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elgin to Bellevue should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bellevue is $826/month compared to $634/month in Elgin — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $87,300 median vs $210,500.

Median household income in Bellevue is $78,792 compared to $60,114 in Elgin (+31.1%). While Bellevue is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellevue spend roughly 12.6% of their income on rent, less than the 12.7% in Elgin.